Exchanging and collecting seeds

Collecting seeds can be an enjoyable part of nature observation, plant identification and gardening. The following lists are meant to inform you of CANPS policy regarding the ongoing seed exchange and to help you in your learning process. Refer to the CANPS bibliography for more resources.

EXCHANGE POLICY

All species should be restricted to plants from the Southern Coastal Plains and Mississippi Valley Loess Plains bioregions (or 200 kilometer-125 mile radius) where possible to ensure the conservation of regional genetics.Please do not bring non-native plants to CANPS meetings to exchange or give away.

Exchange is for members and guests. If you intend to leave with new seeds, bring something to put them in (coin envelopes work well) and a pencil to label them. Write down date and location of collection as well as scientific name, to ensure proper storage and planting.

If you do not bring any seeds, there is a chance that you will not receive any seeds. However, you are welcome to give seeds freely, if you so choose.

If you plan on participating in the seed exchange, the following is recommended:

Type up a list of species you are willing to exchange and/or give away. Label this list with appropriate heading including your name, where seeds were collected, and when.

Include scientific name (Genus and species) as well as common name where possible. This ensures that the desired species is exchanged.

Post this list to the CANPS Google Group discussion board with the subject “CANPS – Seed Exchange *Month, Day, Year*”. It is important to include the date of the next meeting where the exchange will occur, so that others can post their lists under the same thread.

Wait for others to share their lists.

Negotiate exchanges online via Google Groups discussion board.

Attend the next meeting, as agreed, or notify those with whom you have arrangements as soon as possible

IMPORTANT NOTE on the ethics and care of seeds and plant Propagules

Please obtain all necessary permissions before collecting seeds from any public or private land.

Seeds are important in maintaining local colonies and providing food for wildlife. Never collect more than 10% of seeds available from any give population of a species. Collect seed from roadside widflowers is usually okay but make sure they are native! You can send pictures to our email account.

Learn the common, rare, and non-native plants in your area. Never collect seeds of rare species unless you have specific permission to as part of a plant conservation program. Check with LDWF Natural Heritage Program website for a list of rare and endangered plants from your parish and ways you can participate in rare and endangered plant conservation.

Never collect non-native seeds or bring non-native plants to the plant exchange. There are many noxious invasive plants and we do not want to help spread them into unaffected areas. This is especially true of aquatic plants which may hitchhike on clothing, boots, boats and other plant material from aquatic environments.

Ensure that seeds to do not go to waste by storing them properly and growing them out before they become nonviable. Unused seed can be donated to CANPS propagation program.

Wait until seeds are ripe, usually becoming darker in color, hard, and loose or falling from their receptacle. This often means waiting patiently and closely observing plants as they mature, especially during your first year of collecting.

Reused (but clean!) ziplock bags work well for field collection. Process seeds by removing any debris to prevent rot, mold, or insect infestation.

After processing, move to paper envelopes and label with pencil, scientific and common name preferably.

A general rule of thumb: larger seeds (such as acorns and buckeye seeds) tend to not tolerate dry storage unlike small seeds. Refer to Toogood’s Plant Propagation book (see Reading List) or online resources for proper techniques for storing different species. Most typical small wildflower seeds should be stored dry in plastic airtight container in the refrigerator (~40 ⁰F).

Make a note of when seeds flower, ripen. You can use CANPS LAPP tool to help you (click HERE for details). Take note of any techniques that work well for germination, for yourself and to contribute to CANPS Plant Database to be shared with other members.